A rider appeared on horseback with his sword as the sun rose with the dawn. And Shuo Jin was the rider. He was accompanied by Haoran, who was riding a different horse, and they were both on their way to the imperial capital.
"Are you able to figure it out?" inquired Shuo Jin who was riding on the saddle of his black horse.
"Not yet, Master! I suppose we'll have to travel a little further." Haoran mentioned this while holding binoculars in his hands.
"Let me look!" Shuo Jin moaned as he took the binocular from Haoran. He then raised the binoculars to look over the river at the distant empire.
"Hmm! It's still a long way away." Shuo Jin smirked and motioned Haoran to join him from where they had paused to search for their destination. Then, on his black horse, Shuo Jin led the way, followed by Haoran on his own horse.
They dismounted as soon as they arrived to the river to grab some water to drink because they were exhausted from their journey.
"What would be their reaction? I'm ecstatic to see their faces "Shuo Jin laughed before filling his hands with water and splashed all over his face.
"I guess it'll be interesting to see," Haoran continued, clearing his throat.
Then, they mounted their horses again and began riding toward their their destination.
"I'm on my way! I'll be right there." Shuo Jin said to himself with a commanding smile.
~~~~
The Emperor, Gua Huang was standing near the dressing table where three maid slaves were assisting him in putting on his royal dragon robe in a large chamber with rafted rafters.
The head eunuch entered the chamber and bowed before His Majesty when he was finished. When the chief eunuch observed His Majesty's dismal visage, he couldn't help but speak.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" "May I ask what's bothering you?" eunuch inquired, his eyes dropped.
Gua Huang sighed and motioned the three maid servants to exit his chamber with his hand. "I'm feeling a little odd today. Something major could happen, according to my instinct." he said as he rubbed his neck.
"It's possible that Your Majesty isn't feeling well. Do you want me to summon the Imperial Physician?" As he drew in closer to Gua Huang, the chief eunuch inquired.
"Don't waste your time. I am fine!" Gua Huang said, his voice frigid. "How did the situation with the Khalis turn out?" He inquired further.
"Your Majesty, the ministers are debating this problem in the royal court," the head eunuch remarked, bending his head and raising his hands towards his shoulders.
"I will have my morning meal with the Empress and later join the imperial clan court." asserted the Emperor as he made his way to the royal garden.
"Yes, Your Majesty." the head eunuch further bowed.
~~~~
Not as soon as they reached their destination, Shuo Jin on his horse took a deep glance of it and captured the beautiful image of the empire that stood before his eyes. Yes, empire! It was Gua Empire. He was standing outside the empire's main entrance, but why was he there? What brought him here?
Shuo Jin nodded to Haoran, motioning them to proceed forward. Haoran dismounted and headed towards the large front outer door, obeying his master's command.
One of the entryway guards inquired of Haoran, "Who are you? Who do you want to meet?"
"We are probably the oldest residence of this empire. The one who didn't have any whereabouts till now." replied Shuo Jin sharply boring his gaze at the guard. He then dismounted and approached the guard more closely.
"If you don't want any bloodsheds, let us in." Shuo Jin spoke softly in the guard's ear, causing him to shiver. The guard then motioned for another guard to assist them by opening the door.
"That's my little boy!" Shuo Jin turned around and rode his horse with a wicked expression on his face.
They walked into the empire through the main entrance. Shuo Jin dismounted and began walking forward when he abruptly came to a halt. He then let go of both arms in the air and exhaled deeply. He inhaled deeply the air around them. Shuo Jin grumbled, "The smell of your own home is just different, so different."
He raised his five fingers and made a fist, pointing triumphantly at the palace that lay magnificently before him but in the distance. "This place will soon be mine." Shuo Jin gave a devilish grin.
"Master! We should go inside now "As he stood behind Shuo Jin, Haoran lowered his eyes. Shuo Jin nodded emphatically and resumed his stroll.
Everyone was surprised to see him when he walked. Some of them were speculating about who this individual was.
Despite his underappreciated charm, several of them were terrified of his bizarre appearance. Ignoring all talk, he continued going until he reached the Chang Yuan Palace's main door, where he directed Haoran to wait.
"Master, what are you expecting me to do here?"
"Let me enjoy this alone so I can see their terrifying expressions on their poor faces," Shuo Jin said, placing one hand on Haoran's shoulder.
"Unlike the last time, I will ensure that they pay for all of their actions. I'll make them grovel and beg for mercy on my feet." Shuo Jin claimed, pulling his palm away from Haoran's shoulder and clenching his fist. "It'll be more fun than a barrel of monkeys," he exclaimed, throwing his head back in delight.
"May you triumph, my Master." Haoran hailed as he bowed before Shuo Jin.